The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) vehemently condemns the Department of State Services (DSS) for infiltrating its activities, leading to increased surveillance and alleged covert involvement in their proceedings. The ERC’s National Spokesperson, Gideon Adeyeni, outlined the continuous intrusion by DSS operatives, masquerading as activists, posing a direct threat to the ERC’s independence.
The ERC, a staunch critic of President Bola Tinubu’s government loan scheme, exposed what they label a scam, denouncing the scheme as a pathway to commercialize public education and students as mere customers.
The DSS’s recent invitation of ERC’s National Coordinator, Hassan Taiwo Soweto, after a public program addressing their concerns regarding the loan scheme, has raised concerns within the organization. This invitation is viewed as an attempt to stifle dissent and curtail the ERC’s activities.
In response to these actions, ERC has raised alarm bells, cautioning the DSS against any potential violence at their gatherings or office premises. They have urged the public to hold the DSS accountable should any untoward incidents occur, emphasizing their commitment to peaceful, fact-based activism.
The ERC’s complete statement elucidates their frustration at the unwarranted surveillance, citing instances where DSS operatives infiltrated their meetings, falsely assuming various personas, including journalists and activists associated with different groups. ERC has underscored that their activities are within the bounds of constitutional rights, emphasizing their commitment to open and orderly demonstrations.
ERC views the DSS’s actions as unwarranted and unethical, emphasizing their right to dissent within Nigeria’s democratic framework. They reaffirm their dedication to advocating for accessible education for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
ERC’s stance underscores the importance of preserving democratic values and the right to dissent without fear of intimidation or surveillance from state agencies.
